University of Pennsylvania Admission

Philadelphia, PA 19104
Estd 1740

Updated on - Jun 04th, 2022 | 11:44 AM By Archana S

The University of Pennsylvania’s admissions are considered highly selective with an acceptance rate of 5.9%. The admission applications are evaluated on the basis of the academic excellence and leadership potential of the candidates. The acceptance rate is 14.9% in early decisions and 4.4% in regular decisions.

University of Pennsylvania Admission Requirements

International students applying for the University of Pennsylvania admissions need to demonstrate English proficiency by submitting TOEFL/ IELTS/ Duolingo test scores. A GPA of 3.9 or higher is required to be considered for admission to Penn. An SAT score of close to 1570 or an ACT score of 34 or above also is required for admission. Aspirants are advised to take the ACT prep courses or SAT prep courses to better their chances of getting accepted to the University of Pennsylvania:

Undergraduate Admission at the University of Pennsylvania

Penn offers a range of undergraduate programs mostly across the science and business disciplines. Undergraduate courses are offered through its four schools, School of Arts and Science, School of Engineering and Applied Science, School of Nursing, and the Wharton School. Completed applications can be submitted either through the Common Application or Coalition Application along with a non-refundable application fee of $75.

Eligibility Criteria for International Students

  • Official high school transcripts
  • Secondary school report
  • SAT/ ACT scores
  • Essay
  • Counsellor recommendation
  • 2 academic teacher evaluations
  • Interview or portfolio (if required)

Postgraduate Admission at the University of Pennsylvania

Penn offers graduate programs through its 12 graduate schools in the fields of computer science, engineering, business administration, etc. The eligibility requirements, deadlines, fees, and application portals vary for different graduate programs.

Eligibility Criteria for International Students

  • Official academic transcripts
  • Essay/ Personal Statement
  • Letters of recommendation
  • CV/ Resume
  • GMAT/ GRE scores
  • Other course-specific requirements

University of Pennsylvania Application Process for International Students

The University of Pennsylvania application process is the same for domestic and international applicants. Undergraduate applications can be submitted either through the Common Application or Coalition Application and graduate applications can be submitted through the respective Graduate School Application Portal. A non-refundable application fee of $75 applies to undergraduate applicants, and for graduate students, it ranges from $70-$275.

Required Documents

  • Official high school transcripts
  • Letters of recommendation
  • SAT/ ACT scores
  • Interview
  • Financial statement
  • English language proficiency test scores
  • GRE/ GMAT scores
  • Work experience
  • Resume

How to Apply?

  • International students applying for undergraduate programs can submit their applications through the Common Application or Coalition Application. Undergraduate applicants can also apply through the QuestBridge Application
  • Completed graduate applications can be submitted through the Graduate School Application Portal
  • An application fee of $75 applies for undergraduate applicants
  • Graduate applicants need to bear an application fee of $70- $275
  • Applications can be submitted either through the early decision or regular decision program
  • International applicants need to keep in mind the deadlines for the chosen program and apply well in advance to avoid delays
  • Supporting documents such as official transcripts, personal statements, letters of recommendation, application fees, GRE scores, and English language proficiency test scores should also be submitted along with the completed University of Pennsylvania application

University of Pennsylvania Application Deadlines

The application deadlines for graduate admissions at Penn vary with the graduate school and the program one is applying to. Both early action decisions and regular decision deadlines are available for admission. Tabulated below are the University of Pennsylvania application deadlines for undergraduate admissions:

Intake Terms

Application Deadlines

Early Decision

01 November 2022

Regular Decision

01 January 2023

Admission Procedure of the University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania applications are evaluated on the basis of the academic excellence and leadership potential of the applicant. Admissions are extremely selective with a low acceptance rate of 5.9%. A good essay and strong recommendations can set one apart in this tough competition. Shown below are the steps to be followed by admitted students at Penn:

  • Accept the offer of admission
  • Set up the Penn Key and Penn Accounts
  • Check out housing options
  • Apply for financial aid
  • Set up Penn.Pay for student bills and refunds
  • Log into Campus Express
  • Apply for your PennCard
  • Complete immunization requirements
  • Enrol in Student Health Insurance or submit an insurance waiver
  • Register for courses
  • Attend New Graduate & Professional Student Orientation

Acceptance Rate at the University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania admissions are most selective with an acceptance rate of 5.9%. It has a total full-time enrollment of 23,030 and a part-time enrollment of 5,008. Penn has 6,392 international students enrolled at all levels as of Fall 2021.